lutingscement

Luting cement, or lutingscement, is a dental cement used to lute indirect restorations to prepared teeth. It provides retention, marginal seal, and often adhesion between the tooth and a restoration such as crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, or implant-supported prostheses. Luting cements can be temporary or permanent.

Major categories include traditional cement types—zinc oxide eugenol (primarily for temporary cementation, with soothing effect on the pulp but not ideal for resin bonding), zinc phosphate (strong but high acidity that can irritate the pulp), zinc polycarboxylate (chemically bonds to tooth structure), and glass ionomer cements (GI; fluoride release and chemical adhesion). Modern adhesive resin cements (composite or resin-modified glass ionomer) provide increased bond strength to tooth and to ceramics or metals, and can be light- or dual-cured. Some cements are dual-curing for indirect restorations where light may not adequately reach.

Properties and selection: radiopacity, film thickness, solubility, bond to tooth and restoration, esthetics, and compatibility with the restorative material. Fluoride release is a feature of GI cements and some resin-modified GIs. ZOE-based luting agents are valued for temporary cementation due to their sedative effect but are not compatible with resin bonding.

Clinical use: after tooth preparation and provisional seating (if used), a cement is chosen, the restoration is prepared and cement is applied, the restoration is seated, excess cement is removed, margins checked, and the cement allowed to set per manufacturer’s instructions. Isolation and proper moisture control are important.

Limitations and considerations: some cements are technique-sensitive, and interactions with dental materials or patient medications can affect performance. The trend in luting cements emphasizes adhesive resin cements for ceramic restorations due to superior retention and aesthetics.